Tips for improving the air quality in your home

Thursday

When you think about home safety, you probably think about smoke detectors or child-proof cabinet locks and not necessarily about the quality of the air you breathe.

But you should, according to Fred Hutchinson, the president and CEO of Hutchinson Plumbing Heating Cooling. Americans spend a lot of time indoors, especially in the fall and winter, and indoor air can be full of pollutants, allergens, bacteria and germs, which can lead to respiratory conditions and the flu.

"The air inside your home can actually be two to five times dirtier than the air outside," Hutchinson said.

Here are some ways to improve the air quality in your home:

* Install an air purifier to help minimize the germ interaction in the air and prevent illnesses, such as the flu or common cold, from spreading.

Air purifiers can help those with asthma or allergies, too, because they remove dust particles from the air -- not to mention particulate matter from cigarette smoke.

Some experts even go so far to say that increased indoor air quality can help prevent asthma from developing in toddlers with intolerance to smoke, dust, pet dander and other allergens.

* Make sure your HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) equipment is well-maintained and functioning properly.

"Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a homeowner's highest priority," Hutchinson said. "Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminants such as mold, viruses and dust particles throughout your home. So, it's extremely important to have an HVAC expert examine the system."

* Cut down on mold growth by controlling the moisture level in your home.

To do this, correct any water leaks or standing water; remove standing water under cooling coils or air handling units; replace washing machine hoses with steel mesh lines; move large objects away from the walls to provide good air circulation; use exhaust fans in the bathroom, kitchens and laundry rooms; properly install and maintain humidifiers; replace wet or visibly moldy insulation and carpet materials; and have dirty ducts cleaned by a trusted professional.

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